Everything about the Cowper Inn was charming. We stayed in the Carriage House, which felt like our own little apartment. My friend is a yoga enthusiast and loved having access to the yoga loft. We visit Palo Alto on a regular basis and will happily be calling The Cowper Inn our home away from home! read more

Our family of four loved our stay here! It's charming and homey while also including a modern bath. Beds were comfortable and we were so pleased with coming back from our daily excursions and finding fresh towels and beds made. It's the little things that make a big difference on a stay. It's walkable to everything downtown (University Ave). It doesn't have the breakfast but no biggie for us, we love going to Hobees anyway! Next time we're in Palo Alto we'll stay here again. read more

Cowper Inn is a quirky, slightly funky, melange of the old, the new, and the tacky here and there, but it's got character. It puts fiber in the hospitality business. As the owner, Hugo, was showing me to my room, the first item of business was how to unlock the pocket door (ya gotta jimmy the key and the door a little, push/pull a bit here and there, and if that doesn't work just keep trying). And a key and a locking mechanism? ANYBODY REMEMBER A HOTEL ROOM WITH A KEY? The pocket door was typical of houses built 100 years ago. Hugo was quick to point out the squeaks of the 107 year old wood floors. Mine was a cozy little nook, a corner room with three windows--a ground floor turret, as it were. The chair looked like it belonged, the sash windows operated easily, and a very clean and updated bathroom--which clearly wouldn't accommodate more than 1-1/2 persons at a time. A sink, no countertop for shavers, toothpaste, etc. Where do I put ... ah, the top of the toilet tank--and it was so close to the sink all you had to do was turn around, no steps required. Now where do I store my hairbrush? Of course, in the extra roll of toilet paper on the tank cover. Works very well. (Just be sure the lid is down in case you lose your grip on a grooming implement.) The shower stall was womb-like in its proportions and I still came out cleaner than when I went in. The bed was very comfortable and very good linens. And it was whisper quiet being located on a residential street in old Palo Alto. Some attention is needed to the landscaping--dead or dying boxwoods and other front yard flora has seen a better day. Yes, I know drought conditions have been a consideration but all the other yards on the block look well watered and groomed. The old girl could use some serious attention. The front is inviting, but the yard doesn't flatter her image--kind of like a wart on the nose of a beautiful person. When I made my reservation a bargain wasn't my first priority. (although who doesn't like to save a buck?). I like to stay in small properties. Big hotels can offer amenities that small places can't. Miss that treadmill and exercise room? Being two blocks off University Boulevard one can get in all the walking needed to keep in shape to get the first cup of morning joe. Two days was too short of a stay. Before leaving I put in my reservation for first week in January. Palo Alto is a good half-way point when returning from Carmel. Hugo and his wife, Joji, are the charming couple that own Cowper Inn. I look forward to seeing them again and getting better acquainted. I'm reminded of Tom Bodette's line, "We'll leave the light on for you." Next time, Hugo, just leave my key under the mat. I know the drill. read more

Beware- please note that the good reviews are dated ! the only recent reviews are very bad. Stay away from this overpriced Inn. Many problems with my last stay! Very unsatisfactory amenities ( moldy coffee pot) No working toilet in my room ( room contract says you will have a working toilet , and owner said " it doesn't say working, it says " private bath "- really?? - you call this appropriate?) After trying out two non- working bathrooms, we were shown one on another floor not a good thing in the middle of the night !! It would have also been nice if the TV was working - again brochure says TV in every room but we were not told there was no cable hookup to the TV. The cost of the room was $300! I asked for a $50 credit, thinking that to be a reasonable request and was told rudely by the yelling owner to go pound salt! Well, live & learn- never again for this seasoned traveler! There are many other options for lodging in Palo Alto and unless you want a lot of grief, I would choose one of those! read more

Sorry to have to report the horrible experience we had at the Cowper Inn. I understand it used to be lovely, however maybe because of Covid, it was less than desirable. First there was no breakfast (I'm sure due to Covid) but that wasn't reflected in the price. Second, the door was locked and no one answered the bell. At a loss of what to do, we finally called the number on the website and a man answered. He finally came out dressed in PJ bottoms and a sweatshirt. After spending 15 minute telling us about how broke they were due to Covid, he unlocked the door and did help us with our luggage since our room was on the 2nd floor. According to him, they were totally booked. The room was nice - two large beds and appeared to be clean, but we soon discovered the TV didn't work, the coffee pot was moldy and the toilet wouldn't flush and was full of HOT water. When we notified the "staff" we were told that no, the TV doesn't have a cable box so doesn't work. They cleaned the coffee pot and we were told to use the toilet in the bathroom that was in the hallway. When we used the toilet in the hallway bath, we discovered that toilet didn't work EITHER. THEN we were told to use the toilet in the room downstairs. All of a sudden they were NOT booked up?? They called "the plumber" who turned out to be a handyman. Upon investigating, he left to go get parts. When we asked about the hot water in the toilet, we were told that was the plumber's problem. Of course we were told we had to pay for the room in advance, so when we asked for a rebate due to all the inconveniences, we were told there was NO WAY they were giving us any compensation for anything. They were rude and adamite and no way were they changing their mind. SO - our only resort is to write this honest review of our experience. We totally understand that businesses have suffered due to the pandemic, but as paying guests, we felt we should have had better treatment. read more

We stayed in the Victorian house of Cowper Inn in room 26. While the room is spacious and has a small alcove room with a single bed and the main room with the full bed, the inn itself is old and dusty and not cheap. (We paid a total of $184). Also it was very stuffy in the area with the large bed with no air conditioning with a loud noisy fan to cool the room. Also we were trying to check in at 3 pm (check in can start at 2 pm) but we got a sign that said out to lunch. Why would you go on your errand or lunch when people are going to check in? Anyway our friends were staying in the craftsman house next door and it was much much better - it actually was cooler more well kept, cleaner. It was like heaven and the other place. They even had soft short robes were as the Victorian looked liked something out of a scary movie. At least they had good chocolate chip cookies and Aveda products. If you stay here, make sure you stay in main house - the craftsman. I will not stay here again. read more

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Loved the homey, yet clean and quality feel. Very helpful staff. Amazing location. Highly recommend.

I have stayed here twice for a total of 19 nights. The beds are clean and comfortable, the water is hot, and the breakfast is good. This time my room is a little short on available electric outlets, but I eventually found the pair hidden above the sink. I expect funky rooms from a home that was converted into a B&B and certainly got it this time. Rooms by the door are always subject to a little extra noise but most guests are very considerate. I will continue to return whenever I am in town on business. read more

We've stayed at this lovely little gem in the heart of Palo Alto twice in the past year. It's quaint, charming, and everything you'd want in a B&B! The location couldn't be more perfect as its walking distance from all the great shops, restaurants, and bars in the downtown area. Bike to Stanford and/or walk to catch the train for an easy trip to San Francisco- don't forget to stop at Philz coffee on your way! The rooms are super cozy, with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. The service can't be beat, as the owners and staff are always available and super attentive to any needs/requests. And the daily free breakfast entree changes everyday, but always includes delicious local items like fresh yogurt, fruit, and homemade granola- yum! They're currently giving the place a facelift with new paint and special touches on the exterior. Did I mention the price?! You can't beat it for the location, service, and comfort!! read more

What a cool BnB! Gorgeous, historical houses in the heart of Silicon Valley. The place is really cute and quaint and reasonably priced for what we were seeing in the area. Breakfast was fresh and really good. My wife and I loved the personal experience of this beautiful place set among the hustle and bustle of downtown Palo Alto. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

I loved my stay at the Cowper inn! It is a beautifully kept inn within walking distance (3 minutes) to the restaurants and shopping on University Ave. The beds are super comfortable and rooms are charming. Each morning, breakfast was amazing and had Peet's coffee and vegetarian options. Loved it! read more

If you enjoy lumpy, urine soaked mattresses, broken televisions, inefficient staff who screw up your reservation and a consistently late continental breakfast that consists of boring coffee, stale bread and old grapefruits PLUS you enjoy paying through the nose, then this is the place for you! The charm of the craftsmen-style decor can not make up for the lack of efficiency and deteriorating rooms with broken windows and heaters, etc. The location is great but is if really worth it? read more

This is the fifth year in a row we have come to The Cowper Inn for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I drive up from LA, and my other relatives come from different parts of the country to meet other relatives who live here. We've stayed in almost all of the rooms here in the main craftsman house, and some in the Victorian house next door. I would never consider staying anywhere else. The owner / manager Joji and her husband are like family to my family now. They are so accommodating and always go the extra mile to make sure our stay is superb. The breakfasts are gourmet quality, the rooms, some recently renovated, are clean, cozy and well decorated and there is plenty of parking in back of both houses. We always look forward to coming back. read more

A private bath that's across the hall isn't a private bath. If I have to use a key and put clothes on to go there, it's not a private bath. If folks in three rooms can be outside the bathroom door while I'm showering, it isn't private. This place is awful. Dusty, poor housekeeping, musty. Avoid it. And seriously, who thinks a bathroom is private if it's across the hall? False advertising, big time. read more

Stayed at this place years ago when it was a nice hotel...... so booking it again in September of 2021. Everything has changed - VERY negative experience. Toilet didn't work so they sent me down the hall.....that one didn't work either!! The water in the bowl was hot! TV didn't work ( no cable hook up because they won't pay for it !). Coffee pot was MOLDY! Does anyone look at these things? These are BASIC requirements for a hotel....I paid $300 for this room for 2 nights ( $600 total ).....outrageous service! The owner got very hostile when I asked if I could get a $50 a night refund....after all, there was no working toilet and I had to go downstairs to find one!! I would definitely NOT recomment this place.... If you want to get yelled at and treated rudely, by all means give it a try. read more

Though there was room for one, there was no bathtub in our "private bathroom" and no mention of that detail in any description. Neither was there any mention of the renovations the Cowper Inn was undergoing until we arrived and were navigating the appliances and furniture stored on the front porch leading to the entryway. Our ground floor (basement) windows did not lock, and the doorknob to our room was located about a foot and a half from the floor. Full price was expected nevertheless upon check-in. We stayed here 10 years ago, and it was a lovely experience. This time, we were greeted with "Oh you must be *last name*"... and after we introduced ourselves, the host (owner?) never introduced himself nor did he ever welcome us. For $229 a night, we expect hospitality--and a bathtub. There were punitive warnings posted telling us what not to do and about what would happen to us if we didn't return our keys. Checking out, the same nameless representative was at the welcome area writing figures in a notebook--no hello, no thank you, no goodbye, no nothing, not a word. We'll cross off The Cowper Inn from our favorite places list. read more

Definitely a 1920's feel! Even though it's a little older I felt comfortable and safe. The guy that checked me in was welcoming, kind, and gave great directions to the room. During the night I did hear heavy footsteps upstairs, but it wasn't bothersome and it seemed that everyone was quiet and respectful for the most part. The breakfast was amazing! They have a beautiful breakfast area! It felt very 1920's high class. The breakfast was light, healthy, and clean! Presentation was definitely there! I enjoyed the freshly squeezed light pulp orange juice and the espresso machine! I'd stay here again! read more

I have gone to the Cowper Inn three times now and my stay there just gets better and better! The staff there are so nice and accommodating. I had been scheduled to be picked up at the airport and my flight was delayed by three hours and they were thoughtful enough to keep on trying to get in touch with me and offered to pick me up again, kudos to great personalized customer service! I get there and my room looked amazing and very clean. The gourmet breakfast they serve is wonderful. I love the granola which is homemade. Great breakfast to start the day. I love the location, it's an easy access to all the shopping and great restaurants. The Cowper Inn is definitely my go to hotel/ B&B when I'm in Palo Alto. read more

I've had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful B&B. I was initially booked at a different hotel which screwed up my reservation and my friend recommended the Cowper Inn and I'm glad he did! The owner, Joji found me a room right away! My room had an old world charm to it and was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was great, loved it. I would definitely recommend the Inn. So yes, this Inn definitely deserves a five-star rating! read more

The Cowper Inn is the only place my family and I will stay while visiting Palo Alto. The place itself is amazing, but the individuals running the Inn put it over the top. Hugo and Joji's hospitality and generosity are what made my our stay so special, helping us with our wedding venue, and putting up our families for the weekend. The breakfast experience was a favorite amongst our families and guests, providing a beautiful common area to relax and enjoy each other's company while everyone enjoyed the great food provided! And, you can't beat the location! The Cowper Inn is walking distance to the downtown area and a beautiful 15 minute walk to Stanford's campus. read more

Friendly staff and the food was amazing! Nice little place with vintage decor simply added to charm. The inviting ambiance was made for an overall great experience. Highly recommended. read more

The Cowper Inn is a cute restored house that sits just a couple of blocks away from downtown Palo Alto. It is surrounded by beautiful trees and has a couple of porches to relax on. This is a great location for people who want to walk too downtown and want a more intimate setting than the big corporate hotels in town. read more

I'm just finishing up a stay. Kind of like staying at your friend's house, as long as she/he is not Martha Stewart or a messy bachelor. Positives include a great location - can walk to plenty of dining and nightlife, or if you run, the trails at the Arborteum at Stanford are not far. Plus 1. Breakfast was decent, but is staggered which means early birds (if 7:30 is early to you) have a limited selection. Rooms were okay - some dated furniture. Neutral. I was on east coast time and was working in the morning when I realized my room was filling with smoke. I popped the screen and saw Gary, the maintenance man, smoking near my window. Not cool. Negative 1. Wireless was good given my experiences at hotels in the area. +0.5. Would I come back? Probably not as a business traveler, but would snag the carriage house with a family of 3 or 4. read more

A magnificent gem hidden in the heart of Palo Alto. This restored and renovated 19th century Craftsman and Victorian Bed & Breakfast inn was the venue of our company's recent All Hands Gathering. It's quaint and charming atmosphere was the perfect setting for our casual yet classy event. We enjoyed wine, appetizers and delicious catered food care of the owner, Joji, who was very nice to accommodate our party of 30 guests. Joji was also very helpful with greeting and welcoming our guests. She helped our company ensure that we planned adequately and on-time for all the activities that evening. I would highly recommend this venue to business owners who want to treat their employees to a nice casual dinner and wine event in the heart of Palo Alto or to travelers who want a unique experience of a bed and breakfast inn that takes you back to the late 19th century. read more

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The stay at the Cowper Inn, in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, was a genuinely amazing experience. The rooms were clean and well decorated, but what sold it for me was the comfortable bed that rivaled my own! The owners were onsite every day, attentive to their guest's needs, and extremely accommodating to my specific requests and needs. Make sure to make time for breakfast when you stay here, the waffles and quiche were out of this world. Charles Brooklyn, NY. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this place. I've worked at Stanford for several years and have sent guests here for as long as I've worked here. Hugo and the staff are always professional, courteous, and cost effective (for the area). I've never had any of our guests complain about their accommodation, the location is fabulous for the price and they don't charge you until you/your guests actually arrive, which is wonderful when you're dealing with groups. I will not send guests anywhere else! read more

I have stayed at the Cowper Inn close to a dozen times over the last three years. Not only is the location incredibly close to downtown Palo Alto and an easy walk to Stanford, the Inn itself is charming. I happen to love Craftsman-style architecture, and the inn is a lovely example of it dating back to somewhere around 1900. It's also very well kept-up, so the few reviews I've read that describe it as needing repairs or messy are not at all what I've experienced over many stays in several of the rooms. In fact, quite the opposite. The rooms are beautifully furnished and all the beds I've slept in have been very comfortable with spotless linens. The furnishings fit the Craftsman style of the inn--an antique feel without cloying cutesy-ness. The breakfast is all-you-can-eat buffet style, with yogurt, granola, fruit, hot & cold cereals, breads & pastries, ham, and a hot entree such as French toast, interesting scrambled eggs, etc. Excellent coffee, along with milk, juices, teas, etc. Everything is very nicely prepared and presented. I never leave hungry and have been known to get up and give myself three servings! No one looks askance. My only quibble is they don't serve maple syrup (but then I'm from Vermont). Instead, however, they do serve a delicious agave syrup--a good substitute. The dining area is what used to be the living room and very pretty with lots of windows. As good a breakfast as you'll find anywhere in Palo Alto, and in a nice setting to boot! I have always received excellent service, although the staff is not always on-site. I am a B&B traveler, and this is a B&B that I truly enjoy. I actually feel quite pampered staying here. Reasonable prices, especially given that this is Palo Alto. Also, it's very quiet even though it's only a few blocks from University Ave. Can't imagine staying anywhere else when I'm in the Palo Alto area. read more

We enjoyed our stay here. The breakfast was special but most importantly, the location made it possible for my wife and I to walk everywhere! We thought it was cute. read more

I'm so DISSAPPOINTED with Cowper Inn. In fact, I still can't believe how the manager treated me. I made a pre-reservation for 10 rooms in October 2017 and he gave me his word to block the rooms until mid March. That was last October (a year before the requested date!). End of January, more then two months later - apparently - he realized that they are already fully booked during that time. This can't be true, given the fact that I consider the manager as a serious businessman. One of my principles is that agreements have to be respected. Obviously this is not at case with Cowper Inn. So SAD! read more

I have stayed at this B&B a little while ago, and loved it! It's such a great location, which was very important to me! From the moment I walked in, I felt like I was being welcomed with open arms. The people are very sweet, felt like family. This B&B has lots character and is so unique! My room was very clean and well kept, I felt right at home. I cannot wait to go back and stay there again! Maybe even for the holidays! I recommend this B&B to everyone that visits the area!! It is a must! read more

I stayed three days while my husband was in Stanford Hospital. Never once did I see anybody on duty. My "kitchenette" suite had no cooking facilities, not even a microwave. The first night the wifi didn't work--they gave me the wrong code. I've asked numerous times for a receipt for my stay -- I had to check out by phone because nobody was on duty -- but it never came, so I don't know how they arrived at the bill's total. Breakfast is good for light eaters like me, but I'll never stay here again due to the service. And you'd better be ready to haul your bags up long flights of stairs by yourself--there's nobody to help. read more

You can not beat the price for a location right in palo alto downtown one street over to university avenue, when they were full we had to stay at a chain hotel twice the price and not a walking distance to town. Great staff, polite, quite, accommodating, very customer oriented, very clean, comfortable beds, I will definitely stay here and only here when visiting. But be aware it is an old mansion, turn in to a bed and breakfast, no AC, some rooms share bathroom, wood floors may creek, don't expect a modern new place. If you love antique, Victorian charm and being able to walk to down town, but quietly tucked away in a residential street, perfect. read more

I only do reviews and surveys for poor experiences but I felt it was important to give praise where it is deserved. We selected this spot for its location to the Stanford football game. We lucked up and were close to an amazing outdoor mall, Stanford Shopping Center and a seperate downtown area with great food and shopping. They provide breakfast which was exactly how I like it hot, fresh, and relaxing. We had the opportunity to mingle with some of the other guests and the owners and it felt like we were at home and not visiting. It was exactly how I imagined an inn should feel, like a 2nd home. read more

I loved this slice of antiquity. It was clean and welcoming, bright and sunny, and very comfortable. The manager, Joji, was gracious and helpful. Most of the staff stayed out of sight, but every time I met any of them they were friendly and helpful. Being in downtown was fun, and the immediate neighborhood around the Inn was nice too. The breakfast was superb! Organic local yogurt, freshly-squeezed juice, homemade granola, and fresh fruit. I could have eaten that all day long! I live in downtown Palo Alto now, but when I have friends come visit, I'll be sure they stay there. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. Great location and sweet atmosphere. The staff is friendly. However, my room had cockroaches. They are not always on top of their reservation system and cancellation policy is not clear (although clearly stated on their website). Breakfast, although organic, is not for people who are big breakfast eaters. My computer was unable to pick up the wireless network unless I held it up high above my head. Despite all that I had a good stay. read more

I haven't stayed at the Cowper Inn since I used to visit California from the East Coast, back in 1998. I loved staying there then. Recently (I now live in the bay area, about an hour from Palo Alto) I booked a reservation, but had to cancel. I called them on the phone, in advance of the 48 policy, and said my plans had changed, and I needed to cancel. "No problem", they said. Two weeks later, I discover they charged my credit card anyway. I called them. They claimed: 1. I had never called them to cancel. (Not true. I happened to have email to my wife sent right after I got off the phone, noting I had canceled in the nick of time --- 54 hours before the reservation, so I know I didn't imagine this.) 2. They claimed they called me on the phone that day to see where I was. False: no record of incoming calls or voicemails. 3. They were very ungracious about it, but agreed to refund me. I called to check after a week: well, they were *going* to get around to it, but you know how things are... Then they said they couldn't refund the tax. I got annoyed and said, "that's absurd." Finally they agreed to refund me, and said they did. We'll see. I make particular note that the owner, Hugo, said to me, "We will refund you, but do me a favor and never stay here again." Hugo, you've got your wish. I only hope that your sentiments extend to everyone and anyone who happens to read this review. You screw up and you get mad at me? Folks, I'm sure there are far better places to stay these days then the Cowper Inn. I almost never review on Yelp, but this was insufferable. Stay somewhere else. read more

Fantastic granola! Fantastic service. I will keep on going back to the in when I am in N. California Bay Area.

I have stayed at this cute and warm B&B 3 times now and have already reserved my 4th trip for this November for a family get together. This place is a true gem. Close to shops, restaurants and the farmers market. A great walk to Stanford to check out the football games or the school itself. Perfect location! The owners feel like family to me and they always treat my family like their own. The rooms are comfortable, clean and cozy. I love the pillows and want to find out where they buy them ...lol. The owners greet us at breakfast and always have time to talk. The breakfast is amazing, fresh yogurt that you can't get from the store, baked goods, homemade granola and wonderful variety of teas with the cutest cups and spoons for your use. I love this place and always recommend it to my family and friends. I hate staying in cold, and uncomfortable hotels, this is the next best place to stay next to my own home. I highly recommend The Cowper Inn! Sept 2016 read more

I stayed at the Cowper Inn a week ago and will come back again. The staff is very welcoming. This charming Inn is located a few blocks away from down town where I could walk and enjoy all the stores. The historical building is very comfortable and I like the breakfast in the morning served in the main room nicely decorated. read more

I have visted the Cowper Inn on many occasions. I have found the rooms beautifully decorated providing a homey feeling and the food delicious. The neighborhood is quiet and the inn is centrally located to downtown Palo Alto. read more